‘Most Deserving’

Bunting named Fire Starter for October

Tammy Bunting, staff office assistant for Nursing Administration, was named the Fire Starter for October at Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers.

By: Submitted to the Herald

Tammy Bunting, of Morris, was named Fire Starter of the Month at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers for the month of October.

Described as being personal, professional, caring and polite, Bunting joined Morris Hospital in 1980 directly out of high school. She was a ward clerk/unit secretary for 25 years before becoming a staff office assistant for Nursing Administration.

In this role, she helps assure appropriate staffing on the medical/surgical nursing units.

“Tammy indirectly cares for patients by ensuring the staffing and scheduling is the best we can offer here at Morris Hospital,” said Kim Landers, assistant vice president of Patient Care Services. “She is resourceful and knows the hospital policies and procedures and administers them equitably to all in the patient care division. We are proud to have her in the Nursing Administration office and part of our team.”

It was a Friday afternoon, and the scheduled house supervisor was ill. Bunting began making calls to find a replacement.

In the end, she filled in for another employee who was volunteering at a Habitat for Humanity booth at Corn Festival so that employee could come in to work and fill the house supervisor role.

“We needed a house supervisor, and I thought, ‘I can work at Corn Fest,’” says Bunting. “It wasn’t a big deal. I did what needed to be done.”

It is acts like this that make Bunting a role model for others.

“I have never known Tammy to tell you she wouldn’t help in a time of need,” says Kathy Ulivi, a nurse on 2 East. “She is most deserving of this award based on her ongoing dedication to Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers, its staff, the safety of the patients, and the community.”

In early civilizations, fire starters were the individuals who had the important job of keeping the flame alive.

As Fire Starter of the Month, Bunting received a Grundy County Chamber of Commerce gift certificate, a special “Fire Starter” lapel pin, and a designated parking spot for the month.

Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is the largest employer in Grundy County with over 960 employees.